United States Cellular (NYSE:USM) Reaches New 12-Month High - Should You Buy?

United States Cellular Corporation (NYSE:USM - Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high on Thursday . The stock traded as high as $71.57 and last traded at $70.51, with a volume of 60298 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $70.48.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their price target on United States Cellular from $88.00 to $85.00 and set an "overweight" rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, May 28th. Raymond James Financial reiterated an "outperform" rating and issued a $78.00 price objective (down previously from $83.00) on shares of United States Cellular in a report on Monday, May 5th.

United States Cellular Stock Up 0.8%

The company has a current ratio of 1.70, a quick ratio of 1.48 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. The firm has a market cap of $6.04 billion, a P/E ratio of -154.40 and a beta of 0.35. The firm's 50 day moving average is $63.60 and its two-hundred day moving average is $64.54.

United States Cellular (NYSE:USM - Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Friday, May 2nd. The Wireless communications provider reported $0.21 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts' consensus estimates of $0.37 by ($0.16). United States Cellular had a positive return on equity of 1.36% and a negative net margin of 1.05%. The firm had revenue of $891.00 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $924.90 million. As a group, research analysts anticipate that United States Cellular Corporation will post 0.57 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in USM. Quarry LP acquired a new stake in shares of United States Cellular during the first quarter worth $55,000. Lazard Asset Management LLC raised its stake in shares of United States Cellular by 1,837.5% in the 4th quarter. Lazard Asset Management LLC now owns 930 shares of the Wireless communications provider's stock valued at $58,000 after purchasing an additional 882 shares during the period. BNP Paribas Financial Markets lifted its holdings in shares of United States Cellular by 37.6% in the fourth quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 1,657 shares of the Wireless communications provider's stock valued at $104,000 after purchasing an additional 453 shares in the last quarter. Harbor Capital Advisors Inc. bought a new stake in shares of United States Cellular in the first quarter valued at about $176,000. Finally, Mirae Asset Global Investments Co. Ltd. acquired a new position in shares of United States Cellular during the first quarter worth about $195,000. 18.03% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About United States Cellular

United States Cellular Corporation provides wireless telecommunications services in the United States. The company offers wireless services, including voice, messaging, and data services. It also provides wireless devices, such as handsets, tablets, mobile hotspots, home phones, and routers, as well as wireless essentials, including cases, screen protectors, chargers, and memory cards; and consumer electronics comprising audio, home automation, and networking products.

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